Inferring land surface processes from watershed characterization

Abstract

This research has integrated the use of the Linear Imaging Self Scanner (LISS-III) satellite data and Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for assessing the surface hydrological behavior of Lidder and Rembiara watersheds of the Jhelum Basin. The results reveal that the Lidder watershed exhibits lesser basin lag time compared to Rembiara watershed for a same magnitude storm event. Moreover higher population density in the downstream regions of Lidder makes it more vulnerable to flooding than Rembiara. The methodology and results of this study intends to help in formulating better flood mitigation strategies in this part of the Himalayan region where the observation network of hydrometeorological and estimation of other land surface parameters is either missing or very scanty.